Senior Planning Officer

Senior Planning Officer needed in Bradford Paying £35.98 per hr

Full time hours on a temporary basis

• Key Responsibilities

  • Policy & Plan Preparation
    Contribute to and lead work on Local Plan documents, Neighbourhood Plans, Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), monitoring reports, infrastructure planning, and wider planning policy outputs in line with client requirements.

  • Examinations & Inquiries
    Prepare evidence and appear as an expert witness at Examinations in Public, Section 78 appeals, and Compulsory Purchase Order inquiries. Attend informal hearings, undertake site visits with Inspectors, and represent the organisation independently when required.

  • Policy Interpretation & Guidance
    Maintain an in‑depth understanding of Local Plan policies, SPDs, Neighbourhood Plans and related guidance. Provide clear interpretation, advice and briefings to colleagues, stakeholders, clients and community groups.

  • Specialist Policy Leadership
    Lead specific policy areas—such as housing, employment, retail, environment or design—managing technical studies, scoping requirements, commissioning supporting work, and ensuring evidence meets professional and legislative standards.

  • Development Appraisal
    Assess development proposals against local and national planning policy, providing detailed written advice, recommendations, and design‑led input to secure high‑quality, sustainable development outcomes.

  • Strategic Planning & Duty to Cooperate Support
    Contribute to strategic planning across wider regions, respond to Local Plan consultations, and support clients in meeting Duty to Cooperate requirements and cross‑boundary planning obligations.

  • Monitoring & Data Management
    Lead or support the collection, analysis and reporting of planning performance data, ensuring accuracy and meeting project or regulatory timescales.

  • Neighbourhood Planning Support
    Provide professional guidance and technical assistance to Neighbourhood Plan groups to enable successful plan preparation and progression to adoption.

  • Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
    Work closely with internal teams, external partners, infrastructure providers, private developers and community stakeholders to support plan-making and deliver strategic planning objectives.

  • Legislation & Policy Monitoring
    Keep fully up to date with planning legislation, national policy changes, statutory instruments and emerging guidance. Prepare written responses and briefings on consultations and proposed reforms.

  • Transport & Infrastructure Coordination
    Liaise with transport planners and infrastructure specialists to support sustainable spatial planning and the integration of development with transport networks.

  • Reporting & Presentations
    Prepare written reports, present findings to senior leaders or client boards, attend meetings, workshops and public events as required, and support communication of policy work and project outcomes.

  • Digital & GIS Contributions
    Lead or support the publication and management of spatial data, GIS mapping, and other digital resources necessary for plan‑making and evidence preparation.

  • Corporate & Business Support
    Contribute to company‑wide planning, regeneration, and development activities. Support the preparation of bids, funding applications and proposals to secure new business or investment in projects.

If you are interested in the role,  to  quoting the reference number.

Essential Employment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All our roles may be subject to pre‑employment checks including references so please be prepared